Television and film actress Katherine Heigl announced Thursday at a press conference in Los Angeles that she would be pledging $1 million to spay and neuter programs in the city and county of Los Angeles.

The star of Warner Bros.’ upcoming film “Life As We Know It” is kicking off a pet initiative, in association with the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, to increase awareness and help curb the pet population crisis.

“What’s happening is not only inhumane and morally reprehensible, it’s economically irresponsible,” Heigl said. “Killing is not a solution.”

In addition to the contribution to spay and neuter programs, the JDHF will continue to support Learn to be a Best Friend (a training and education obedience program); transport programs moving animals from local shelters where they would be euthanized to humane societies, rescue organizations and “no kill” shelters; and continue to promote pet adoption.

“I think we have to work a little harder and call ourselves a dog lover country,” Cesar Millan of National Geographic Channel’s “The Dog Whisperer” said, joining Heigl on the podium at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. “Never work against mother nature.”

Each year 500,000 animals are sheltered and euthanized in California, costing the state $250 million. “Most people are unaware of what’s happening,” Heigl said. “We can start to change the existing paradigm.” [Source]

Today, I have added screencaps of Katherine on the Late Show with David Letterman from 20th May 2010 and 20th July 2009.

Katherine Heigl had no friends when she moved to Hollywood.

The ‘Life As We Know It’ actress – who has 20-month-old daughter Naleigh with husband Josh Kelley – lived with her mother Nancy until she was 22 and admits she had a lonely life.

She said: “My mum was my roommate and only friend for a log time because it’s hard to meet people in Hollywood.

“I didn’t move out until I was 22 and suddenly I was living on my own, which was terrifying.”

Despite their separation, the 31-year-old beauty insists she is as close to her mother as ever.

She added: “She’s been my number one supporter and I’ve been hers. She’s the one person who’s respect I hope to earn.”

Katherine – who is managed by her mother – recently admitted nothing she does in her films shocks her mom.

Speaking about her film ‘The Ugly Truth’ – which she starred in with Gerard Butler – she said: “The language is wild, but she’s heard a lot worse from me. Don’t tell her I said this, but she can dish out those raunchy words pretty well herself.

“She’s never there when we film that stuff, and it’s not just because she doesn’t want to worry me.

“You can imagine it would make Gerard Butler pretty uncomfortable if he was in bed with me while my mother was watching. If it didn’t, it would be weird and kinky.” [Source]

Thanks to my friend Melissa, I have added DVD captures of Katherine in “Knocked Up” and the extra features.

I have updated the gallery with DVD captures of Katherine in the 2001 movie “Valentine”.